Preservation, Recreation and the MSCP

On Aug. 30, County Parks and Recreation participated in workshop to discuss the status of species preservation in San Diego. Nearly 200 people attended the event at the Ocean Air Recreation Center, representing local government agencies, community groups, volunteers and residents.

The Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP)
has been in effect for 19 years. It is a region-wide program designed
to monitor and protect plant and animal life on preserved land –
tracking behavior and change over time, and addressing issues caused
by invasive species and human phenomenon.

It works across political boundaries, involving all San Diego County
landowners in efforts to preserve our unique habitats while at the
same time securing new properties and streamlining building
regulations and processes to support healthy community growth that
won't detract from the natural environment.

It also identifies new access routes and connection points for
recreational travel. Some of these opportunities are easy to identify.
Others come from taking a step back; surveying our land through a
global lens, and being open to launching creative projects that are
not limited by jurisdictional boundaries.

Collectively, we’ve saved many species – even entire ecosystems –
from urban growth, with a model for conservation that has earned
accolades at the national level. Here are some highlights from 2016:

We acquired 22,000 acres of valuable land, combining $80
Million in County funds with another $90 Million from our
partners.

We acquired 55 acres of potential Quino Checkerspot
Butterfly habitat – which was treated and weeded (removing invasives
that interfered with the butterfly’s natural diet).

We
planted 5,000 native trees in developed parks where trees were lost
due to drought and harmful beetles.

We launched a study on
the biocontrol of Shot Hole Borers (one of those harmful beetles) at
parks and preserves across San Diego.

We finalized studies
on the Pallid Bat, the Townsend’s Big-eared Bat, eagles and other
raptors.

After 19 years, we reached a combined total 3,700
discretionary permits for developers – bringing us closer to a day
when all residents, in all San Diego County communities, have easy
access to outdoor spaces.

We’re happy to work alongside a myriad of partners which include the
Cities of San Diego, Chula Vista and Poway; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife; Earth
Discovery Institute; the Living Coast Discovery Center, the San Diego
Audubon Society, the San Diego Zoo, and many others.